A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has shattered records, becoming the most valuable car ever sold at auction, fetching an astounding 135 million EUR. This automotive icon, one of only two prototypes ever built, was sold to a private collector, marking a historic moment for both Mercedes-Benz and the world of classic cars. Named after its creator, the brilliant chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is celebrated by automotive experts and enthusiasts globally as a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the significance of this sale: “The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are not just cars; they are milestones in sports car evolution and fundamental elements of our brand’s heritage. The decision to part with one of these truly unique vehicles was carefully considered and driven by a powerful purpose – to support a greater good. The funds generated from this auction will seed a global scholarship program, the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund.’ Our aspiration with this fund is to inspire a new generation to emulate Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s pioneering spirit and develop groundbreaking technologies, particularly those focused on the critical areas of decarbonization and environmental preservation. Witnessing a Mercedes-Benz achieve the highest price ever for a vehicle is both extraordinary and deeply humbling. It unequivocally demonstrates that Mercedes-Benz represents the most valuable car in the world.”
Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for Integrity and Legal Affairs, further elaborated on the company’s commitment: “As a global corporation and a leading luxury brand, we recognize our profound responsibility to society. The proceeds from the sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe provide us with an unparalleled opportunity to amplify our commitment through a long-term, signature initiative. The ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ will be a global scholarship program dedicated to empowering young individuals in their pursuit of education, commitment, and action towards a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that facilitating access to education in environmental science and related fields is paramount to addressing the pressing challenges of our time and fostering greater global stability, prosperity, and social harmony.”
Funding a Sustainable Future: The Mercedes-Benz Fund
The record-breaking auction of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe provides the initial capital for the ambitious global “Mercedes-Benz Fund.” Mercedes-Benz has pledged further investment in the coming years to ensure the fund’s long-term impact. The fund will operate through two distinct sub-categories:
- University Scholarships: Designed to connect, educate, and motivate university students to engage in environmental science research and projects focused on decarbonization and resource preservation.
- School Scholarships: Focused on empowering pupils to implement local environmental projects within their communities, fostering grassroots environmental action.
Crucially, the program aims to support individuals who lack the financial resources to pursue their environmental projects and educational aspirations. Beyond financial assistance, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will offer valuable extracurricular support, including mentorship opportunities with Mercedes-Benz experts, opening doors to future career pathways for scholarship recipients. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with an experienced partner organization, currently under evaluation, to co-develop and manage the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” ensuring its effective and impactful operation. Detailed plans regarding the fund’s structure, implementation, and partner organization will be announced later this year.
The Legacy of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
The auction took place on May 5th at a prestigious event held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, in collaboration with the renowned auction house RM Sotheby’s. The exclusive guest list included select Mercedes-Benz clientele and prominent international car and art collectors who share Mercedes-Benz’s core values. The auctioned 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was previously part of the Mercedes-Benz Classic’s private collection, a treasure trove of over 1,100 vehicles spanning from the invention of the automobile in 1886 to the present day.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, expressed pride in the initiative: “We are immensely proud to contribute our historical collection to this forward-thinking initiative, bridging the legacy of engineering excellence with the future of decarbonization technology. The private collector who acquired the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has graciously agreed to keep this exceptional vehicle accessible for public display on special occasions. The second original 300 SLR Coupe remains in Mercedes-Benz ownership and will continue to be a highlight of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.”
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s mystique is deeply rooted in its unique origins, groundbreaking design, and innovative technology. Its design philosophy established benchmarks that cemented its status as one of the most significant automotive icons globally, most notably recognized for its distinctive gullwing doors. Furthermore, its exceptional performance, derived from thoroughbred racing technology, solidified the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s legendary position in sports car history and its cherished place in the hearts of Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts worldwide. This historic auction not only celebrates the unparalleled value of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe but also channels its legacy into a future of sustainable innovation through the Mercedes-Benz Fund.
